The funeral for Paul Kessinger, 90, of Alva, will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008, at Wharton Funeral Chapel, Alva. The Rev. Jay Barry will officiate with Masonic services by Alva Lodge 105. Burial will be in Alva Municipal Cemetery.

He was born Dec. 9, 1917, in Alva to Jesse James and Opal Olive Rose Kessinger and died Friday, Oct. 3, 2008, at Montevista at Coronado, El Paso, Texas.

He graduated from Alva High School in 1935. He married Jennilee Lindley March 24, 1940. She died July 13, 2008. They made their home in Enid, then moved to Roswell, N.M, later returning to Alva. He joined the Army Air Corps April 19, 1944, serving during World War II, and was honorably discharged Nov. 6, 1945. He worked for Sperry John Deere Agency. He was a member of Alva First United Methodist Church, Alva Masonic Lodge 105, and was past master of the lodge in 1965, and received his 50 year pin. He was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite member.

Surviving are two daughters, Karen Nickell of Oklahoma City and Janice Page of El Paso, Texas; one son, Johnny of Burkburnett, Texas; nine grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Jennilee, he was preceded in death by one sister and one brother. Memorials may be made to Alva Masonic Lodge 105.

Condolences may be made online at http://www.whartonfuneralchapel.com/.